Stranger's Touch Awakens Miami Beach Woman

MIAMI BEACH, FL — A Miami Beach woman awoke Sunday morning to find a man exposing himself in her apartment and touching her. The incident occurred around 6 a.m. in the vicinity of 83 Street and Crespi Boulevard, according to Miami Beach police, who described the ordeal as "troubling."

Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department said the woman screamed for help and managed to get away from the man.

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"She told police she woke to a man touching her pelvic area just above her genitals, underneath her underwear," said Rodriguez late Monday afternoon. "The subject had his penis exposed and was yelling to the victim for her to look."

Despite the commotion, the man initially refused to leave the woman's apartment.

"The victim then fled outside the apartment onto the street and began yelling for help," Rodriguez said. "The suspect fled the apartment in an unknown direction."

The woman later told police she had fallen asleep on the sofa, but had remembered to lock the front door. She also closed a bedroom window, but told police she left it unlocked. The window was found open when the woman returned to her apartment.

"The victim later noticed that the suspect took her iPhone and $52 during the incident," Rodriguez added.

The man was described as Caucasian, possibly Hispanic with a medium complexion. He was approximately 20 to 25 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall, around 160 pounds with bulging eyes and dark circles. Police said the man had a thin build and was last seen wearing jeans and a dark hoodie without a shirt.

He is wanted for attempted sexual battery, 0ccupied burglary and grand theft, according to Miami Beach police.

To report a tip, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305.471.TIPS.

Photo by Paul Scicchitano